Bovano of  Cheshire

Bovano Studios are well known throughout the United States and Internationally, for the emphasis on quality and design.  The Bovano  business began in Jim Brower's basement  in 1952.  In the early days of the business, enamel ashtrays were the item of the day.  As smoking became a known health risk in the 60's,  Bovano moved into ornaments and enamel wall sculptures.  The original company was sold in 1954 to Bonsignor, Van Leight and Noden.  The name Bovano was formed by combining the first two letters of each of their names and continues to this day under that name.

  Structurally each piece is made to balance when hung on a wall and the back side of the copper is sealed.  There are no shortcuts taken in the production of this line.  The joints of solder are strong and smooth. 

Many of the objects taken from nature, duplicate very closely the size and color of the actual item, i.e., butterflies, hummingbirds, fish, etc.  The array of colors offered are amazing.  The transparency provided by the process is totally successful.  Because the pieces are made to project forward of the wall surface, a slight shadow falls behind the wall sculpture and adds dimension. 

Lighting becomes an important element of display of Bovano works.  The transparency of the colors shimmer under ambient light and the fusion of the glass to the copper enhances the colors in daylight and artificial light as well.  The colors are permanent and do not fade over time.

Each piece is hand crafted and hand enameled by a team of highly skilled enamelists and metal workers.  Traditional hand tools and techniques are used.  The process includes vitreous enamel (pulverized glass) delicately hand sprinkled, layer upon layer over solid copper.  Fired by intense heat of kilns, the enamels flow and combine, emerging from the kiln, ruby red, then cooling to reveal vibrant and subtle hues of color.  This process may be repeated several times before the desired effect is achieved.  The glass becomes fused to the surface of the copper.

The goal is to produce the highest possible quality enamel sculptures.  The sculptures are made by the exacting eye of an artist and craftsman, of heirloom quality, and may be passed down through the family.